Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find a legislative update along with some additional resources I hope you find helpful.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 17th Senate District.

In Liberty,

Jonathan Lindsey
State Senator
17th District

Recently, legislative Democrats pushed through a bill to repeal Michigan’s right to work law.

The governor and Democratic leadership in the Senate are focused on sending this state back to the Lost Decade instead of voting on bills that would hold real economic value for the state and its workers.

At a time of record high taxes, electricity and water bills, Michigan workers do not need more money taken from their paychecks — especially to pay wages to corrupt unions.

I proposed an amendment that would force unions to post their financial records for all workers to see. This would have implemented an oversight to be able to track how much union dues are and where the unions spend each of those dollars. Of course, just like with every other sensible amendment, all Democrats voted no.

Many union workers will see this as a win for bringing back the glory days of unions in Michigan, but I must ask the question: If a worker's freedom to choose can be so quickly removed, what freedoms will be stripped away next?

Voters were lied to about Proposal 3 this past election by Democrats who said the commonsense safeguards that protect women and children would not be dismantled.

However, Senate Democrats voted against critical protections, such as a provision to prosecute someone for killing a woman during an abortion. They once again sided with the radical elements of their base that want on-demand abortion at any stage and for any reason, regardless of the damage it may inflict on women and children.

I introduced legislation to protect parental consent when a minor is seeking an abortion — something that has been state law for decades but is now at risk. I also supported Republican amendments to strengthen penalties for partial birth and coerced abortions, add protections for babies with Down syndrome, provide resources to women in need, and support adoption programs.

Democrats voted down each of these amendments.

As parents and concerned citizens, we can all agree that we want a society that has reduced violence and crime. As a parent, sending our children to school should not be done in fear.

I support efforts to reduce violence and crime, but I believe the extreme gun bills Democrats have proposed are not the answer. Senate Democrats recently passed bills that would make it more difficult for law abiding citizens to arm and protect themselves.

These are not solutions to reducing crime but thinly veiled attempts to disarm Michiganders and leave them vulnerable to criminals. If Democrats were serious about protecting our children and loved ones, they would put the emphasis on having strong law and order and prosecuting criminals. It is also imperative to implement policies for mental health given the disastrous impact government policies have had on the people of Michigan.

We had an opportunity to address the root causes of violence in our society, such as mental health issues, poverty, and lack of opportunity. We had an opportunity to hold criminals accountable when they break the law and strengthen penalties for particularly egregious crimes such as mass shootings.

Democratic leadership instead chose to attack the rights of law-abiding citizens. Michigan residents deserve solutions, not these bills that are only effective in a press release.

I want to be clear that I am standing firm against the latest wave of anti-gun legislation being forced through by legislative Democrats and will continue to do everything I can to protect our constitutional rights.

Michiganders who need help with their energy bills can now apply for the Home Heating Credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Low-income, deaf, disabled or blind persons, disabled veterans and senior citizens may qualify for the Home Heating Credit. Applicants are not required to file a Michigan individual income tax return to receive the credit.

Individuals can apply for the Home Heating Credit electronically through the e-File system. All applications for the credit must be received by Sept. 30, 2023.

Forms and instructional materials are available on the internet at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax or by calling 517-636-4486. Forms are also available at many libraries and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offices across the state.

Over the last five years, around 257,500 claimants each year have received the Home Heating Credit, with an average credit of $209.

For more information about resources available for heating assistance, go to Michigan.gov/HeatingAssistance.

The 17th state Senate District includes Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, along with parts of Berrien, Calhoun, Jackson and Hillsdale counties.